Strange Darling Review | Ingenious & Visually Astounding Oddball Thriller

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Strange Darling Review | Ingenious & Visually Astounding Oddball Thriller

Summary

  • Strange Darling
    delivers a unique, visually arresting horror thriller experience that keeps viewers engaged and on their toes throughout.
  • Director JT Mollner, cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, and a talented crew create a darkly captivating narrative that blends suspense, humor, and sick terror together seamlessly.
  • Filled with twists, surprises, and clever storytelling, this film is a must-see for those looking for an unforgettable cinematic experience, even if you aren’t a horror fan.

As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s seen his fair share of horror flicks and suspenseful thrillers, I must say that “Strange Darling” is a breath of fresh air. Having been fortunate enough to attend premieres at Cannes and Sundance, I can confidently say this indie gem outshines many big-budget productions.

In creating a thriller, a disjointed narrative isn’t usually effective due to the genre’s emphasis on maintaining tension. Nonlinear storytelling can be risky, potentially undermining the tension and disrupting the pace. However, the gritty new horror-thriller Strange Darling not only employs this method but pushes it even further, introducing innovative twists to the narrative structure that we won’t reveal yet. Already, Stephen King has commended Strange Darling – partly named after a song from the film’s captivating opening credits – as a “clever masterpiece,” and with good reason. It certainly deserves the praise.

Experience something extraordinary with Strange Darling, as it offers an exceptional treat, given the involvement of renowned actor Giovanni Ribisi. However, this time around, his presence extends beyond acting, as he serves as co-producer and talented director of photography under the guidance of writer and filmmaker JT Mollner (Outlaws & Angels). Together, they craft a visually captivating and undeniably hypnotic film that, while quite dark, is also remarkably gripping, even for those who may not be avid horror fans. This, indeed, showcases the pinnacle of clever storytelling.

See Strange Darling Blind as a Bat

Another mastermind in horror, Mike Flanagan, has also sung his praises for Strange Darling but stressed the importance of going into a groundbreaking feature like this blind. Amen, brother. So we certainly won’t give anything juicy away, but it’s important to recognize, well, a number of components that collectively make up this astonishing end result. First off, the cast, which is all about quality and not quantity, is remarkable. They sculpt their characters with so much emotion and complexity despite a lack of exposition.

In truth, the two principal actors, Willa Fitzgerald (from ‘Reacher’) and Kyle Gallner (from ‘Smile’), are not given named characters in this film. Instead, Fitzgerald is portrayed as “The Woman,” while Gallner is depicted as “The Demon.” However, Mollner’s intentionally erratic storytelling might cause you to do a double-take at certain points, especially when one section ends and another begins. It’s important to stay focused because this movie isn’t just stylishly divided into chapters; the transitions between sections are significant, so don’t let your attention wander, even if it means putting down your phone or stepping away from social media during key moments. This film seems to reward attentive viewers who give it their full focus.

In this tightly packed 96-minute film, there’s not much leisure for browsing phones. Following an artistic introduction, we’re plunged straight into a nerve-wracking car chase where The Woman is desperately trying to escape The Demon, who carries a chilling long-range rifle. However, the circumstances that led to this chaos may not be what you initially expect. Even if your assumptions are already formed about the plot (or what could have happened), reconsider them.

Mesmerized by a Brilliant Visual Design

Although “Strange Darling” leans more towards the thriller genre, its intricate storytelling techniques remind one of the outstanding horror film from the last decade, Zach Cregger’s creation, “Barbarian”. During our conversation with Mollner, the director mentioned Steven Spielberg’s pre-“Jaws” masterpiece, “Duel”, as an inspiration for “Strange Darling”, and this connection is indeed evident. However, “Strange Darling” offers a unique, never-before-seen cinematic adventure.

As a follower, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Christopher Robin Bell before, but his work here surpasses all expectations, seamlessly blending lessons gleaned from his tenure in the editorial department of tense action films such as United 93 and The Bourne Ultimatum. Stunning editing techniques amplify Ribisi’s captivating framing and the outstanding color grading by Scotty Cross and George Koran, keeping you on edge throughout. The unpredictable pacing and progression of this narrative is intentionally choppy, with Craig DeLeon’s powerful soundtrack maintaining an exhilarating pulse that keeps your heart racing in the most thrilling fashion, even as The Woman carries out her intricate escape plot across remote, isolated landscapes.

Unforgettable Film Shoots Humor Throughout Its Darkness

Strange Darling Review | Ingenious & Visually Astounding Oddball ThrillerStrange Darling Review | Ingenious & Visually Astounding Oddball ThrillerStrange Darling Review | Ingenious & Visually Astounding Oddball Thriller

In Mollner’s latest movie, standout performances by some well-known actors add charm, such as Ed Begley Jr. (from Better Call Saul) and Barbara Hershey (Black Swan), who portray a laid-back couple living in the suburbs. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when Death arrives at their doorstep, represented by The Woman fleeing from her menacing pursuer. Begley, known for his humor, delivers laughs throughout the film. Additionally, a familiar face from the Breaking Bad universe pops up later in Strange Darling with an impressive cameo, but we’ll keep that secret here.

The main idea is clear: “Strange Darling” offers an uninterrupted dose of entertainment, with a mix of dark humor and intense, gory action as advertised. It has a classic, mysterious vibe, well-crafted characters, and plenty of suspenseful twists, but what truly stands out is the memorable visual spectacle. Here’s hoping Mollner and Ribisi collaborate again on future projects. For those who aren’t die-hard horror fans, rest assured, you can still enjoy the enjoyment this film offers.”

Beginning August 23, 2024, the movie “Strange Darling,” created by Miramax and Spooky Pictures under the banner of Magenta Light Studios, will be available for viewing exclusively in cinemas.

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2024-08-22 18:31